Are you looking to start a small business with a low budget? If yes you are in the right place. Here in this article, we have provided a list of low-cost business ideas that have a high-profit potential.
However, it is a complete myth that you need to invest a big amount to start a small business. Here are some tips to start a profitable low-cost business:
- Concentrate on service-based businesses rather than manufacturing products. Startup cost to start a service business is generally low
- Check your skillsets and accordingly select the business idea.
- Do some research on the demand aspect of your chosen business both online and offline.
What is a Low-Cost Business?
A low-cost business is a venture that can be started and run with minimal initial investment and ongoing expenses. These businesses are identified by their ability to provide products or services without requiring significant investment. The main goal of low-cost businesses is to achieve profitability and sustainability while minimizing financial risk.
Key characteristics of a low-cost business include:
- Minimal Initial Investment: Low-cost businesses typically don’t require substantial capital to get started. Entrepreneurs can launch these ventures without a large financial burden.
- Affordable Operating Expenses: The ongoing operational costs of a low-cost business are kept at a minimum. This includes expenses such as rent, utilities, and employee salaries.
- Lean Operations: Low-cost businesses often prioritize efficiency and simplicity. They focus on delivering value without unnecessary complexities.
- Creative Solutions: Entrepreneurs in low-cost businesses often find innovative and resourceful ways to provide products or services, enabling them to keep costs down.
- Solo Entrepreneurship: Many low-cost businesses can be operated by a single individual, reducing the need for a large team and associated payroll expenses.
36 Low-Cost Business Ideas
1. Dropshipping E-commerce Store
Dropshipping is all about setting up an online store without holding inventory. When a product is sold, purchase it from a third-party supplier who ships it directly to the customer. No need to invest in inventory upfront, reducing initial costs. Margins can be high as you only purchase products when you make a sale.
Choose a niche and set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Research and connect with reliable dropshipping suppliers. Implement effective marketing strategies to drive traffic to your store.
Costs:
- E-commerce Platform: $29 – $79 per month (Shopify).
- Domain Name: $10 – $20 per year.
- Marketing: Variable, depending on your strategy
2. Freelance Services
Offer your skills as a freelancer in areas like writing, graphic design, programming, or digital marketing. Minimal investment in tools and equipment. often using existing skills and earning potential increases as you build a client base and reputation.
Identify your skills like writing, graphic design, programming, etc. Create profiles on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Build a portfolio showcasing your work.
Costs:
- Portfolio Website: $10 – $20 per month.
- Software and Tools: Variable, depending on your field.
Read: Best Online Jobs from Home
3. Content Creator
If you have expertise or passion in a specific field and love to write or are comfortable in front of a camera, think of starting a blog, podcast or vlog. You just need a computer and a website to run a blogging business. For vlogging or podcasting, additionally, you will need to buy some basic recording equipment to get started. With growing followership, income can come from various streams.
Costs:
- Domain and Hosting: $10 – $20 per month.
- Recording Equipment: $50 – $200 (for basic setup).
Related: How to Start a Blog
4. Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistant business is all about providing services like checking and answering emails, organizing to-do lists, and updating calendars and schedules with minimal interaction with your clients. You can offer administrative support services remotely to businesses or entrepreneurs. Minimal investment in software and tools. Charge for your time and skills, scaling as you take on more clients.
Costs:
- Website: $10 – $20 per month.
- Business Software: $20 – $50 per month.
5. Social Media Management
You can manage social media accounts for businesses or individuals. You will need to have only a computer and an internet connection to manage the social media pages of customers. Charge a monthly fee for social media management services. Develop social media management skills.
Costs:
- Social Media Scheduling Tools: $10 – $30 per month.
- Marketing: Variable.
6. Online Courses or Coaching
Share your expertise through online courses or coaching sessions. Initial investment in course creation tools. Income scales with the number of students or clients. Determine the subject or skill you’re proficient in and passionate about. Develop engaging and valuable course content or coaching materials. Choose a platform for hosting courses, such as Teachable, Udemy, or self-hosted options for coaching.
Costs:
- Course Hosting Platform Fees: Varies depending on the platform
- Recording Equipment: $50 – $200 (for basic setup).
- Marketing: Variable, depending on your strategy.
Read: How to Create an Online Course
7. Mobile App Development
Learn App Development by acquiring skills in app development through online courses or tutorials. Develop simple mobile apps for specific needs or industries. Learning resources are often available online, and development tools may be free. Revenue comes from app sales, ads, or in-app purchases. Acquire skills in app development through online courses or tutorials. Develop a portfolio showcasing your app development projects. Freelance your app development services to clients.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (free to paid courses).
- Development Tools: Some tools are free; others may have a nominal cost.
8. Affiliate Marketing Website
Create a website that promotes products or services and earns a commission for every sale made through affiliate links. You need to invest a minimal amount in website hosting and domain. Select a niche you’re interested in. Create a website using platforms like WordPress. Join affiliate programs and promote products on your website. The income grows as your website attracts more visitors.
Costs:
- Domain and Hosting: $10 – $20 per month.
- Marketing: Variable, depending on your strategy.
9. Aquarium Maintenance
Fish are beautiful and popular pets. A person having a pet-loving attitude can start an aquarium maintenance business by providing a cleaning service to aquarium owners who don’t have time to clean the tank. A clean aquarium is required for healthy fish and it is recommended after every 10 days the tank should be cleaned. You can initiate this venture with little money.
- Learning Resources: Variable (books, courses).
- Equipment: Cleaning tools, and water testing kits.
10. Digital Marketing Agency
People having marketing experience can start a small digital marketing agency business with low costs. Acquire skills in SEO, social media, and content marketing. It is advised initially to find a specific niche in the digital marketing industry and concentrate on that. Start small and invest in tools as your client base expands.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (free to paid courses).
- Website: $10 – $20 per month.
- Marketing: Variable, depending on your strategy.
11. Home Cleaning Services
Start a home cleaning service catering to residential or commercial clients. Define the types of cleaning services you’ll offer.
Set Pricing: Determine your pricing structure. To start a home cleaning business, the initial investment is minimal. You will need to buy some basic cleaning supplies and marketing materials.
Costs:
- Cleaning Supplies: Initial investment, ongoing costs.
- Marketing: Variable, depending on your strategy.
12. Affiliate Marketing Website
It is important to select a niche while starting an affiliate marketing business. Create a website using platforms like WordPress. Join affiliate programs and promote products on your website.
Costs
- Domain and Hosting: $10 – $20 per month.
- Marketing: Variable, depending on your strategy.
13. Babysitting
Connect with parents in your community. Consider obtaining relevant certifications. Determine your hourly rates.
Costs:
- Certifications: Variable (cost of safety courses).
- Marketing: Flyers or online platforms.
14. Errand Services
Define Services by Specify the errands you’ll handle. Determine pricing based on complexity and time. Use flyers, local bulletin boards, or online platforms.
Costs
- Marketing: Flyers or online platforms.
15. Event Planning
Build Skills by learning about event planning and coordination. Develop service packages for different events. Connect with local vendors and venues.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (books, courses).
- Marketing: Website, social media.
16. Senior Care Services
Gain Relevant Skills in senior care and health. Develop plans for companionship or assistance. Connect with local retirement communities and healthcare professionals.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (books, courses).
- Marketing: Website, social media.
17. Web Design and Development
Learn Coding and acquire skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Showcase your web design projects. Freelance your web design and development services.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (free to paid courses).
- Development Tools: Some tools are free; others may have a nominal cost.
18. Freelance Bookkeeping
Every small or big company needs business accounting services like bank reconciliation, e-filling, service tax, sales tax, payroll, etc. One can start a bookkeeping business by providing these services freelance to businesses that can’t afford to have a permanent accountant. Determine your hourly or project-based rates
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (books, courses).
- Marketing: Website, social media.
Read: How to Start a Home-Based Bookkeeping Business
19. Resume Writing
Resume writing service is another low-cost business for beginners. A person having a fair amount of knowledge about resume writing can start a resume-writing business by crafting a resume for job seekers. It is important to hone your resume writing skills. For starting this business you will just need to have a computer with some basic software.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (books, courses).
- Marketing: Website, social media.
20. Personal Chef
Develop or enhance your cooking skills. Specify the type of meals you’ll prepare. Use flyers, local bulletin boards, or online platforms.
Costs:
- Culinary Courses: Variable.
- Marketing: Flyers or online platforms.
21. Translation Service
With ever-increasing net connectivity and globalization, knowing and understanding other languages have become extremely vital in keeping pace with the speed of society. In the United States, the demand for translators has grown hugely in recent years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth of around 20% by the year 2028.
Learn More: How to Start a Translation Agency Business
Costs:
- Language Courses: Variable.
- Marketing: Website, social media.
22. Fitness Instructor
The people, who don’t want to go to the gym, want a personal fitness instructor at their doorstep. Also, you can join a local gym and fitness center to provide the service. Use flyers, local bulletin boards, or online platforms.
Costs:
- Fitness Certification: Variable.
- Marketing: Flyers or online platforms.
23. Tutoring
A person who wants to start a home-based business in the education segment and has the patience to handle children can start tutoring. Every parent these days always is looking for a good tutor for their child. You can start a tutoring business with practically no capital investment. Use flyers, local bulletin boards, or online platforms.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (books, courses).
- Marketing: Flyers or online platforms.
24. Photography Business
A person passionate about photography can start a photography business by investing a little money. It is advisable to develop or enhance your photography skills before starting a photography-related venture. You need to purchase a quality camera and the necessary accessories. Create a Portfolio and Showcase your best work.
Costs
- Photography Equipment: Variable (can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars).
- Marketing: Website, social media.
25. Candle Making
Learn candle-making techniques by acquiring the required skills to make candles. Source Materials like Purchase wax, fragrance oils, and wicks. Sell candles online or locally. Candle-making business is a fantastic way to turn your hobby and skill into a profitable low-cost business.
Costs:
- Candle Making Supplies: Variable.
- Marketing: Website, social media.
Read: How to Start a Candle-Making Business
26. Music Lessons
Be skilled in playing a musical instrument. Provide lessons in person or online. Use flyers, local bulletin boards, or online platforms.
Costs:
- Musical Instruments: If not already owned, an investment could be needed.
- Marketing: Flyers or online platforms.
27. SEO Consulting
SEO (Search engine optimization) is a process to get a website ranking higher in search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Every day there are thousands of websites, are created and the maximum fails to survive because of the lack of knowledge about internet marketing. Before starting the business, gain expertise in search engine optimization. Develop a professional website and social media profiles.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (books, courses).
- Website: $10 – $20 per month.
- Marketing: Website, social media.
28. Etsy Shop
Create unique handmade items or vintage finds. Create an Etsy shop and list your products. Use social media and Etsy promotions.
Costs:
- Etsy Fees: Listing fees, transaction fees.
- Materials: Variable.
29. Online Dating Consultant
Understand Online Dating and stay informed on current trends. Offer Consulting Services by helping clients improve their online dating profiles. Use online platforms and social media.
Costs:
- Marketing: Website, social media.
30. eBay Seller
Find marketable items by sourcing products to sell on eBay. Create listings by writing compelling product descriptions. Build a Reputation and Provide excellent customer service.
Costs:
- Shipping Supplies: Variable.
- eBay Fees: Listing fees, final value fees.
31. Videography
Before starting the business, develop or enhance your videography skills. Invest in Equipment by purchasing a quality camera and necessary accessories. Create a Portfolio and showcase your best video projects.
Costs:
- Videography Equipment: Variable (can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars).
- Marketing: Website, social media.
32. Domain Flipping
It is advisable to understand trends and valuable keywords and know more about the domain market before launching a domain-flipping business. Purchase marketable domains and Acquire domains at a low cost. List them on domain marketplaces or to potential buyers.
Costs:
- Domain Purchases: Variable.
- Marketplace Fees: Variable.
33. Meal Planner
You need to have in-depth knowledge and understand dietary needs and preferences. Offer customized meal plans. Use online platforms and social media.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (books, courses).
- Marketing: Website, social media.
#34. Babysitting
People who love spending time with children can start a babysitting business. Babysitting is simply taking care of other children in the absence of their parents. This business can be started with a meagre investment.
Costs:
- Certifications: Variable (cost of safety courses).
- Marketing: Flyers or online platforms.
Learn More: How to Start a Babysitting Business
#35. Wedding Consulting
A wedding consulting business comes naturally to a person who is organized, focuses on details, and loves to coordinate events. Your creativity can make others’ wedding days memorable for a lifetime. You can start this low-cost business with low startup capital with the help of online promotion.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (books, courses).
- Marketing: Website, social media.
Learn More: How to Start Wedding Consulting Business
#36. Senior Caring
Many aged people require assistance to perform their day-to-day household activities like cleaning, washing; laundry, etc., one can start this home-based business locally with a minimum or meager investment. Develop plans for companionship or assistance. Connect with local retirement communities and healthcare professionals.
Costs:
- Learning Resources: Variable (books, courses).
- Marketing: Website, social media.
In conclusion, if you have the will and passion to be successful in making a fortune of your own, there are many low-cost business ideas and opportunities that one can start based on local demand and personal skillsets. Furthermore, it can be scaled up in the future when you make substantial profits.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
